DA Vance: Woman Sentenced to 16 Years in Prison Following Attempted Murder of Boyfriend

August 8, 2017

Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus R. Vance, Jr., today announced the sentencing of MYESHIA HAWKINS-TAYLOR, 43, to 16 years in state prison for attempting to murder her boyfriend inside their Harlem apartment. On July 20, 2017, the defendant pleaded guilty in New York State Supreme Court to Attempted Murder in the Second Degree.

“Myeshia Hawkins-Taylor scalded and stabbed her boyfriend, then, for a full day, prevented him from seeking the medical treatment he desperately needed,” said District Attorney Vance. “It’s a common misconception that only women fall victim to domestic violence – in reality, a recent survey estimates one in seven men will experience severe physical intimate partner violence in their lifetime. If you or a loved one have been a victim of domestic violence, I urge you to get help by visiting one of our city’s Family Justice Centers or calling my Office’s Domestic Violence Hotline at 212-335-4308.”

According to documents filed in court and statements made on the record in court, at approximately 2:00 a.m. on January 30, 2016, following an argument that took place the previous day, HAWKINS-TAYLOR poured hot oil onto her sleeping boyfriend’s face and body, severely burning him inside the bedroom of the apartment they shared. When the victim awoke, and tried to escape, HAWKINS-TAYLOR stabbed his arm, leg, and abdomen. Approximately 36 hours later, HAWKINS-TAYLOR finally called 911. In order to recover from his injuries, the victim was placed in a medically induced coma and hospitalized for nearly two months.

Assistant District Attorney Marit DeLozier handled the prosecution of the case under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney Lanita Hobbs, Chief of Trial Bureau 80, as well as Executive Assistant District Attorneys David O’Keefe and John Irwin, Chief of the Trial Division. Assistant District Attorney Lawrence Newman, Chief of the Domestic Violence Unit; Maureen O’Connor, Deputy Chief of the Special Litigation Bureau; Patricia Bailey, Deputy General Counsel; and Paralegal Thomas Napoli also assisted with the case.